Week 2 of the NFL season is here, and this NFL Week 2 preview highlights matchups that’ll keep fans on the edge of their seats. From a blockbuster Super Bowl rematch to a high-stakes divisional clash in Detroit, the action is heating up fast. With several teams already facing the pressure of avoiding an 0-2 start, every snap counts. Here’s what you need to know about the biggest moments to watch this week.

• A Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs headlines the week, with Kansas City as rare home underdogs.
• Rookie QB Jaxson Dart could make his debut if the Giants’ offense continues to struggle.
• JJ McCarthy looks to build on his electric Week 1 comeback for the Vikings.
• Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit as the Bears’ head coach adds spice to a critical NFC North battle.
• Monday night brings a doubleheader with Texans vs. Buccaneers and Raiders vs. Chargers.

1. Eagles vs. Chiefs: A Super Bowl Redux with High Stakes

The Kansas City Chiefs are licking their wounds after a 27-21 loss to the Chargers in Brazil to open the season. Now, they face a daunting challenge: hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of last February’s Super Bowl, where Philly dominated 40-22. Oddsmakers have the Chiefs as home underdogs for the first time since Patrick Mahomes faced Buffalo in October 2022.

But betting against Mahomes is rarely a safe bet. In 20 career games as an underdog, he’s won 13 and covered the spread in 14. As a lifelong Chiefs fan, I’ve seen Mahomes pull off miracles when the odds are stacked against him—think of his 13-second drive against Buffalo in the 2022 playoffs. 

Will he defy expectations again, or can the Eagles’ high-flying offense keep rolling? This one’s a must-watch on Sunday.

2. Giants’ Offense in Crisis: Is Jaxson Dart the Answer?

The New York Giants’ Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders wasn’t just a defeat—it was a historically bad one. They became the first team since the 1940s Detroit Lions to go three straight season openers without an offensive touchdown. Ouch. Russell Wilson, the veteran QB, looked rusty, completing just 17 of 37 passes.

Coach Brian Daboll is sticking with Wilson for Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but the leash is short. Rookie Jaxson Dart, who turned heads in the preseason with his quick reads and dual-threat ability, is waiting in the wings. 

If the Giants’ offense stalls again, fans might get their first glimpse of the future. As someone who’s watched plenty of struggling teams, I know how quickly a spark from a rookie can change the vibe—think Justin Herbert’s breakout in 2020.

3. JJ McCarthy’s Encore: Can He Keep the Magic Alive?

Minnesota Vikings rookie JJ McCarthy had a debut for the ages in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Down 17-6 in the fourth quarter after throwing a pick-six, the 22-year-old didn’t flinch. 

He led three touchdown drives to steal a 21-17 win, joining Steve Young as the only QBs since 1980 to erase a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter of their first start. That’s an elite company.

This Sunday, McCarthy gets to play in front of the home crowd for the first time as the Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta’s defense isn’t a pushover, but McCarthy’s poise under pressure has me believing he could be special. 

Think of him like a young Tom Brady in 2001—raw but clutch. Will he keep the momentum going?

Read also: NFL Week 1 Quarterback Performance

4. Ben Johnson’s Homecoming: Lions vs. Bears Gets Personal

For three years, Ben Johnson was the mastermind behind the Detroit Lions’ explosive offense. Now, he’s back in the Motor City—but as the head coach of the rival Chicago Bears. 

The Lions felt his absence in Week 1, scoring just 13 points in a loss to Green Bay. Jared Goff, who thrived under Johnson’s play-calling, completed 31 passes but averaged a measly seven yards per completion. Without Johnson or Sean McVay coaching him, Goff’s record as a starter drops to a grim 3-18-1.

This NFC North showdown is a highlight of our NFL Week 2 preview, as both teams are desperate to avoid an 0-2 hole. Johnson’s intimate knowledge of Detroit’s playbook adds an extra layer of drama. It’s like a chess match where one player already knows the other’s opening moves. Expect a gritty, emotional battle.

5. Monday Night Doubleheader: A Football Feast

Week 2 wraps up with a treat for fans: two Monday night games. At 7 p.m. ET, the Houston Texans take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at 10 p.m. ET in Vegas. 

The NFL introduced these doubleheaders in its 2021 media deal with Disney, and they’ll appear four times this season (Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 7).

As someone who loves nothing more than a football-filled Monday night, this format feels like a gift. The Texans-Bucs game pits two playoff hopefuls against each other, while the Raiders-Chargers clash could set the tone for the AFC West race. Grab your snacks and settle in—it’s going to be a long, glorious night.

Why Week 2 Matters More Than You Think

Week 2 might seem early, but the stakes are already sky-high. Teams that start 0-2 face an uphill climb—since 1990, only about 11% of 0-2 teams make the playoffs. 

With young stars like JJ McCarthy stepping up, veterans like Patrick Mahomes facing rare underdog status, and coaching rivalries like Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit, this week is a microcosm of everything we love about the NFL: drama, redemption, and unpredictable moments.

As a football fan who’s spent countless Sundays cheering through heartbreak and triumph, I can tell you this: Week 2 is where we start to see who’s for real and who’s just hype. Keep your eyes on the field, because these games could shape the season.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.